2015 Qupé Marsanne - Santa Barbara County

This wine is 75% Marsanne from the Ibarra-Young Vineyard in the Los Olivos District, 15% Roussanne from the Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley and 10% Roussanne from the La Presa Vineyard in the Los Olivos District.

The Marsanne grapes are picked on the early side of ripeness to retain their fresh acidity and bring bright citrus notes to the final bland. Roussanne in general is a richer grape that adds a bit of weight and complexity to the wine.

After whole cluster pressing, the juice was allowed to settle in a cold tank for 48 hours, and was then racked off the lees into neutral French oak barrels. The wine was then allowed full malolactic fermentation, fermented and aged in the neutral barrels for 6 months. Once bottled, Marsanne ages remarkably well for 15-20 years without an issue. Enjoy this wine young with a fresh summer salad, or allow it to age and develop rich candied lemon and marzipan flavors.